Johnson County Library and Black & Veatch Renew MakerSpace Partnership

July 25, 2018 /3BL Media/ - Modern American libraries are centers of access to ideas, books, AV – and technology. Global engineering and construction company Black & Veatch is continuing a successful partnership with Johnson County Library as part of the company’s growing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach with a renewed 3-year, $90,000 commitment, announced Wednesday, to the Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Central Resource Library.

Johnson County Library named the facility the “Black & Veatch MakerSpace” after a sensational 2016 renovation and enlargement of the space. The partnership is the first of its kind in the Library’s history, with the Library’s Foundation joining Black & Veatch’s Building a World of Difference Foundation to expand the MakerSpace’s size and scope.

The renewed gift permits the MakerSpace to pursue some interesting new projects:

• The Makers of JCL will debut brand-new virtual reality hardware. Library patrons will be able to develop their own VR projects and explore the cutting-edge intersection of 3D modeling, virtual reality and digital fabrication.
• Youth Services librarians will work with teachers to book field trips to the Black & Veatch MakerSpace. Library Makers are also working with teachers and administrators about how they can integrate these technologies in their schools.
• Makers will expand development and circulation of the popular Maker Kits, which will contain equipment that can be checked out.

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"The MakerSpace has become a valuable resource that makes science, technology, engineering and math accessible and fun for problem-solvers of all ages. “Having our name attached to the MakerSpace helps the library expand its offerings and keeps STEM-focused activities within reach of the young people in our community.”

-- Steve Edwards, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Black & Veatch

The Makers at JCL have certainly made productive use of BV support since 2016.

• 174,280+ people visited the MakerSpace from March 2016 – June 2018
• 13,193 users booked an appointment to work with Makers and technology at the Library
• Adults are the most frequent users of the Central Library space, and Kids/Teens comprise 80% of the outreach/programming audience for Maker events.

“Black & Veatch’s commitment has definitely made a difference in the worlds of our patrons,” said County Librarian Sean Casserley. “The MakerSpace is Johnson County’s home for builders and innovators of all kinds, and we’re pleased to continue this important work with Black & Veatch’s generosity.”

About Johnson County Library and the Johnson County Library Foundation

The mission of the Johnson County Library Foundation is to build an endowment for the Library’s collection and secure support for life-long learning programs offered at Johnson County Library. Established in 1996 the Foundation supports collection enrichment, youth homework assistance, art programs, early literacy initiatives, youth-at-risk programs and technology enhancement. Through its 13 – soon to be 14! – Libraries County-wide, the mission of Johnson County Library is to provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people’s lives. The Library is supported by ad valorem taxes, by the Friends of the Johnson County Library book sales, and by the philanthropic efforts of the Johnson County Library Foundation. Learn more at www.jocolibrary.org

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2017 were US$3.4 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.